[Solitary maxillary cysts (author's transl)]

Four cases of solitary maxillary cysts are reported, and our current knowledge of these rare lesions reviewed. Their diagnosis should be suspected whenever bone lacunae are detected, that are not the result of dental disorders. Surgical exploration demonstrates the presence of a cavity that is almost always unilocular, and contains blood-stained fluid, or is completely empty in some cases. Curettage may be employed but filling by a bone graft is not necessary. No recurrence occurs, in contrast to those present in the long bones, and bone repair is rapid after curettage. Though of a probable dystrophic nature, their true significance is still unknown.